The progress on the Project American Heroes 1969 LS7 Camaro continues at a fever pitch at Route 66 Motorsports, New Lenox, Illinois. Like a warrior getting dressed for battle, this Camaro is being equipped with the most technologically advanced performance weapons known to man. This street machine will not only have killer looks, but the performance to back up the image.

One of the coolest features about the Project American Heroes Camaro is the drivetrain. Don't misunderstand, the car is absolutely stunning-the Route 66 Motorsports build quality is spectacular and spot-on accurate to the Brockmeyer rendering. But the LS7 Turn Key Engine Supply motor spewing forth some 562 horsepower through the Gear Vendors Overdrive-equipped TCI Turbo 400 transmission promises miles of smiles for the fortunate future owner. TCI is a company that has long been known for building some of the best transmissions in both the racing and high performance street machine market. The TCI Turbo 400 will be complemented by a Gear Vendors Overdrive, which will provide an overdrive for each gear, creating a military strength six-speed automatic. Advantages are voluminous.

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The Baer Brakes complete Pro Plus system includes 14-inch rotors and the brand new 6P calipers.

The Gear Vendors/TCI Turbo 400 combination increases performance by minimizing the rpm drop during shifts. Engine rpm drops are approximately half of what they are without the Gear Vendors Overdrive unit. As a result, rpm is sustained, allowing the car to stay in the higher rpm where there is more torque and more horsepower. The ratio splitting capability created by this Gear Vendors/TCI setup allows our LS7 Camaro to shift to a gear with more mechanical advantage than the next stock gear in a non-Gear Vendors equipped automatic transmission. Going through the gears with the Gear Vendors setup is an absolute kick to drive, increases fuel economy, and makes the car feel more aggressive. The short rpm drop during shifts is reminiscent of some screaming assault vehicle engaging in battle.

Not only will Project American Heroes possess frightening go power, it will also incorporate six-piston caliper, Baer Brakes "whoa power." Just released, the new 6P calipers feature a six stainless steel piston configuration with six crossbolts to maximize caliper stiffness and rigidity. The stiffness of a brake caliper is the ability to maintain its shape under all braking conditions. With Baer's 6P calipers clamping down on the 14-inch rotors front and back, the Project American Heroes will deliver outstanding braking feel and feedback to the driver. As an extra benefit, these new Baer 6P calipers achieve superior stopping ability while weighing only 6.5 lbs.

Have you ever noticed that people who know what they are doing make even the most difficult task seem simple? Such is the case for the crew at Route 66 Motorsports. The PAH2 car is consistent with every car that rolls out of their shop. Says owner Bill Jelinek, "When we build a car, we are all about safety, technology, durability, and driveability. We build cars to perform well and drive comfortably, but most importantly, we build them to be safe."

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Rear brakes are installed as per instructions, with the added feature of the emergency brake hardware. The Strange Engineering rear was no problem for the Baer Brakes install.

Asked about highlight of their participation in the Project American Heroes build, Jelinek admits that the quality of parts from the vendors helped tremendously. "Building the Project American Heroes car has been relatively easy with the quality of parts from the vendors who participated. But the real highlight of the Project American Heroes involvement has been knowing that the car will ultimately help support the work of the Armed Forces Foundation. If it wasn't for our military people doing their job, we wouldn't be able to do our job."

They fight for our freedom, and lay down their lives so we can enjoy security. That's why we call them heroes. Get your checkbooks ready, buyers, we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Time for motor and trans to find their home in one very red 1969 Camaro.

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